[mdlug] Are Linux Distros Too Bloated?

[LAP]

On Sat, 15 Apr 2023 12:28:23 -0400 (EDT)
Michael Corral <micorral at comcast.net> wrote:

> 
> Why exclude kernel threads? Those somehow don't count? While you're
> at it, why not exclude some other threads or processes?
> 

User space is the only relevant measure here.  The (only) purpose of
an OS is to allow a user to execute programs -- programs of his and
only his choosing.

You may wish to include kernel threads but be forewarned.  The mainstream
distro kernel, being built with every conceivable purpose in mind,
will surprise you with just how many do exist (more extreme bloat).

> 
> I noticed you don't have pipewire or pulseaudio running.
>

There is absolutely no need for pipewire or pulseaudio.

I use Alsa for any and all of my audio requirements.  Alsa alone
is sufficient for any purpose.  (Let's not introduce real-time and or mixing
scenarios, where Jack has always been the standard.)

In fact, I would prefer to return to the Open Sound System kernel
modules but these have problems in building:

http://developer.opensound.com/sources/

But these are kernel modules and do not show up in the process
list.

The same can be said for the video capture modules (v4l2). 

>
> For example, rpcbind is running, because that's 
> needed to run MATLAB, which I find useful to do.
>

I also run Matlab, but I certainly do not ever require
rcpbind.

(Being a Linux/FOSS fanatic however, I always look for open-source
alternatives.)

> 
> I'd argue that your system isn't "totally functional" for every
> user's requirements. It might instead be described as downright
> crippled.
> 

Nope.  It is supremely versatile and agile.

I certainly do not intend to meet "every user's" requirements.
I think only of my own (and I thank Linux/FOSS for granting me
the freedom to do just that).

The only difference from a standard distro is that I do not need
to keep all possible things running at all possible times.  I can
select what I need when I need it.  This may seem overly burdensome
to most people but for me it has become simple and routine.
 
> 
> This isn't some competition to see who can get the lowest number of 
> processes---it's about having a system that meets a user's needs.
>

Who determines the needs of a particular user?

The obvious answer is that the USER, and only the USER, determines
his needs.

My argument is that Linux distros strive to speak for all possible
users and all possible scenarios and thereby bloat the system to
unnecessary extremes.